Christmas has officially begun at The Arium, as thousands of Yorkshire-grown Christmas trees arrive ready to bring festive cheer to homes across Leeds.
Each year, the council-run garden centre transforms into a winter destination for families looking to choose the perfect tree, and this season is no exception. All the Christmas trees on sale are grown at Stockeld Park in Wetherby, a renowned local grower that looks after around 500,000 trees annually. The partnership between Stockeld Park and The Arium has been in place since 2018, ensuring that Leeds residents have easy access to premium, sustainably grown trees that support local horticulture.
Shoppers can choose between the ever-popular Nordmann fir and the traditional Norway spruce. The Nordmann fir is the UK’s favourite, loved for its full shape, straight central trunk and outstanding needle retention — keeping its glossy green needles far longer than any other fir variety.
For those seeking a classic Christmas scent, the Norway spruce provides that nostalgic festive fragrance once beloved in Victorian homes and first introduced to England in 1841 by Prince Albert.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space said:
“For the eighth year in a row we’re delighted to be selling locally grown Stockeld Christmas trees at The Arium. We want to make sure that the people of Leeds have easy access to high-quality trees grown right here in Yorkshire. The Arium sells all kinds of festive decorations, and at the same time lets people invest back into their city.”
George Grant, owner of Stockeld Park said:
“A massive amount of care goes into growing these trees. We have an extensive and very research-led cultivation regime, which includes several rounds of pruning, leader control, nutrient application and, where necessary, pest-control. We have around half-a-million trees growing at Stockeld, and much of this work has to happen by hand, so the trees really are a labour of love.”
Growing a Christmas tree is a labour of love. Once rooted, each tree grows roughly a foot per year, meaning the average six-to-seven-foot tree has taken around a decade to reach the perfect height. That time and care are reflected in the quality of every tree displayed at The Arium.
From 22 November, visitors can browse a full range of festive plants and decorations alongside the Christmas trees, including favourites such as poinsettias and amaryllis. As the largest local authority nursery in the country, The Arium grows most of its plants on-site within its impressive 19,000 square metre glasshouses and supplies floral displays throughout Leeds all year round.
And when the celebrations are over, residents in selected postcodes can take advantage of Christmas tree collection services offered by St Gemma’s and Sue Ryder hospices in early January — a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle their festive centrepiece while supporting local charities.
With local roots, outstanding quality and unmistakable Yorkshire charm, the festive season at The Arium is now in full swing www.theariumleeds.co.uk
